Does additional cone beam computed tomography decrease the risk of inferior alveolar nerve injury in high-risk cases undergoing third molar surgery?Does CBCT decrease the risk of IAN injury?

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of additional cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging on decreasing the risk of inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury during third molar removal in patients at high risk and to assess the surgical outcomes. The study sample included patients considered at high risk for IAN injury based on panoramic radiography (PAN) evaluation. The primary predictor was the type of imaging method (PAN only or with additional CBCT). The other variables were demographic and anatomical/radiographic factors. The primary outcome variable was IAN injury. The secondary outcome variables were the preoperative surgical plan and surgical results including IAN exposure and duration of surgery. The sample comprised 122 patients (139 teeth) aged 18–48 years. Postoperative temporary IAN injury was present in three (4.2%) cases in the CBCT group and 11 (16.4%) in the PAN group at 7 days after surgery. However, none of the patients had a permanent IAN injury at the 6-month follow-up. Additional CBCT imaging was not superior to PAN in reducing IAN injury after third molar surgery during long-term follow-up. Nonetheless, CBCT may decrease the prevalence of temporary IAN injury and improve the surgical outcomes in high-risk patients.

Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury is a known complication of the surgical removal of third molars. The frequency of this injury after surgery, as reported in the literature, varies from 0.4% to 8.0%, and permanent injury occurs in less than 1.0% of patients. Among many possible factors, a close relationship between the third molar and the inferior alveolar canal (IAC) and the surgical approach used have been found to be the most important factors causing IAN injury. Evaluating the risk of IAN damage related to the extraction of the mandibular third molar before surgery is very important, and this risk should be explained to the patient.

When considering the proximity of the impacted tooth to the IAC, it is essential to perform a preoperative radiological assessment. This assessment is expected to assist the surgeon in determining the risk of postoperative sensory impairment and in modifying the surgical technique to lessen the risk of IAN injury.

Panoramic radiography (PAN) is a common technique used to radiologically evaluate the proximity of the mandibular third molar to the IAC. When PAN indicates a close relationship between the IAC and the third molar, some authors have recommended performing an additional investigation with conventional computed tomography (CT) to verify the relationship in a three-dimensional (3D) view. Cone beam CT (CBCT) technology makes it possible to perform accurate diagnostic imaging with a reduced radiation dose compared with standard CT.

It has been reported that the visualization of the anatomical relationship between the impacted third molar and IAC by CBCT is reliable. Although many authors have reported that additional CBCT has limited effects on surgical results and sensory disturbances, the value of additional CBCT in preventing the occurrence or decreasing the risk of IAN injury in high-risk patients remains a topic for discussion.

The purpose of this study was to answer the following clinical question: “Does additional CBCT imaging decrease the risk of IAN injury or influence the surgical outcomes in patients at high risk of IAN injury as detected on PAN imaging in third molar surgery?”

Materials and methods

Study design and sample

A prospective study design was used to address the research question. The study population comprised all patients presenting to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Karadeniz Technical University (Trabzon, Turkey) for the evaluation and management of mandibular third molars from January 2013 through May 2014. The criterion for inclusion in the study sample was that the patient had to have one or both impacted third molars with a close relationship between the third molar and the IAC on preoperative PAN images. These patients are considered at high risk for IAN injury. A close relationship was defined as the presence of at least one of six previously described radiographic markers : (1) interruption of the white line of the IAC; (2) darkening of the roots; (3) narrowing of the IAC or roots; (4) dark and bifid roots; (5) deflected roots; (6) diversion of the IAC.

The first sample of patients presenting to the unit were assessed only with PAN images during the preoperative evaluation. The second sample presenting to the unit underwent PAN and additional CBCT imaging. Patients were excluded from the study if they had any pathology (e.g., a tumour or cyst) around the third molar or IAC. Patients with systemic disorders were also excluded, because the neurological and surgical outcomes might be unfairly affected in such patients. Additionally, patients lost to follow-up were excluded. The study plan was approved by the relevant ethics committee. Each patient was informed about the possible risks and benefits of the procedure and the postoperative recovery time, and provided written consent to participate in the study.

Study variables

The primary predictor variable was the imaging method used for preoperative evaluation of the impacted third molar. The imaging method was a binary variable classified as digital PAN (PAN group) or digital PAN and additional CBCT (CBCT group). Digital PAN images were acquired with a panoramic unit (Kodak 9000C; Kodak Dental Systems, Carestream Health, Rochester, NY, USA) and Kodak Dental Imaging Software. Acquisition parameters were 70 kV, 6.3 mA, and a scan time of 14.3 s. Consecutive cross-sectional images were acquired using a CBCT device (Kodak 9500 Cone Beam 3D System; Kodak Dental Systems, Carestream Health, Rochester, NY, USA) and Kodak Dental Imaging Software. Scans were performed with a medium field of view (9 cm × 15 cm), a voxel size of 0.2 mm, and a scan time of 10.8 s. Volumetric data were reconstructed and sectioned on the coronal plane.

The imaging method was number-coded with slips of paper by a surgeon who was not associated with the study. The numbers were chosen by the surgeon. This allowed the subjects to be assigned to groups in a random fashion.

The primary outcome variable was IAN injury, i.e., the presence of sensory disturbances of the lower lip and/or chin. Evidence of IAN injury was assessed at 7 days after surgery. All patients were questioned about any sensory disturbance of the IAN and lingual nerve using a visual analogue scale (VAS). However, detailed objective assessment of lingual nerve injury was not done, as the primary focus of the study was to investigate IAN injury. The status of the sensory disturbance of the IAN was then confirmed by two-point discrimination test, pinprick test, and light touch test. The two-point discrimination test measures the minimum distance a patient can discriminate between two separate points. This test was performed using a calliper and the result recorded as a numeric value in millimetres. The pinprick test was performed by touching the skin with a sharp needle to test pain perception (the needle was applied to the skin through the loop using its own weight). For the light touch test, a cotton wisp was used to test tactile stimulation by gently touching the skin and the detection threshold of the patient was evaluated. In cases where there was reduced sensation, a neurological examination was performed to describe the type of IAN injury. The type of IAN injury was divided into the following subgroups: 1, no sensation (anaesthesia); 2, reduced sensation; 3, hypersensitive or spontaneous pain; this was monitored after 7 days and 1, 3, and 6 months until total recovery. If recovery was not complete after 6 months, the injury was considered permanent.

The secondary outcome variables were the pre-surgical plan and the surgical outcomes including IAN exposure and duration of surgery. The pre-surgical plan for each extraction was prepared based on preoperative radiographic findings and was determined by the surgical technique and the direction of tooth removal in both groups. The surgical technique was selected intuitively after consideration of the clinical and radiographic factors and was categorized using a difficulty rating on a two-point scale: 1, ostectomy; 2, ostectomy and crown/root sectioning (complex extraction). Similarly, the direction of the tooth removal was planned and divided into subgroups as follows: 1, buccal and/or lingual; 2, undeterminable. When the IAC was positioned buccal to the third molar, the surgeon planned to luxate the third molar in a buccal direction, thereby rotating the apex into a lingual direction. For the same reason, when the IAC was positioned lingual to the third molar, it was planned to luxate the tooth into a lingual direction, thereby rotating the roots in the opposite direction to the IAC.

IAN exposure was defined as direct visualization of the IAN after third molar removal. Each extraction site was inspected using direct vision after copiously irrigating the extraction site with normal saline, and IAN exposure was noted (yes/no). The surgical time was defined as the duration of surgery in minutes (from the first incision to insertion of the last suture) and was divided into two categories of <20 min or ≥20 min for one tooth in a particular patient.

Other variables were divided into two groups: demographic and anatomical/radiographic. Demographic variables included sex and age. Anatomical and radiographic variables included the anatomical position of the third molar (Pell and Gregory classification, Winter classification, type of mucosal or bony coverage), PAN findings of the third molar according to the criteria established by Rood and Shehab, side of the third molar extraction (left or right), and number of roots. These variables were recorded based on PAN images in both groups. The spatial relationship between the tooth and the IAN, distance from the IAN to the tooth (0 mm, 0–1 mm, and >1 mm), and cortication status of the IAC acquired from the CBCT scans were also recorded in the CBCT group. The spatial relationship was divided into the following subgroups: 1, buccal; 2, lingual; 3, in line (beneath the roots); 4, interradicular (between roots). True contact was thought to exist in the absence of cortical bone between the third molar and IAC.

Summary of operative methods

The surgical removal of the third molars was performed under local anaesthesia by the same surgeon who has at least 8 years of experience with the procedure. Along with the careful application of elevators and burs, the operational technique consisted of bone removal, crown and root sectioning (if necessary), and direction of tooth removal (if necessary) by preventing root movements, which put pressure on the IAC. Lingual flaps were not employed in any of the cases.

Data collection methods

The radiographic evaluations and measurements were performed independently by two maxillofacial surgeons and by a maxillofacial radiologist. The three observers had at least 8 years of clinical and radiological experience in maxillofacial structures. Cases in which there was disagreement with regard to the radiographic findings were discussed again and a final decision made to reach a statistical analysis. The neurosensory testing of all patients was performed by the same surgeon. The surgical time of each operation was measured using a digital chronometer by an impartial observer who was not associated with the study. IAN exposure was noted by the surgeon who performed the operations. The pre-surgical plan for each extraction was achieved by consensus of the two clinical observers (two maxillofacial surgeons). All of the data collected were recorded on a spreadsheet.

Due to the nature of an image-based study, it was impossible to blind the surgeons or the participants to their allocation to the CBCT or PAN group. However, the investigator who performed the neurosensory testing was blinded to the patient group allocation (CBCT or PAN).

Data analysis

The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software Graduate Package 17.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). When necessary, the normality of the distribution was tested using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Descriptive statistics were calculated. In the event of IAN injury, comparisons between the groups were tested with Pearson’s test, Fisher’s test, or the χ 2 test. Comparisons between the groups (primary predictor) for primary and secondary outcomes were analyzed with the Mann–Whitney U -test. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed for the primary outcomes. The confidence level was set at 95.0% for all statistical analyses.

Results

The study sample comprised a total 122 patients: 64 in the PAN group (39 female and 25 male; mean age 28.1 years, range 18–45 years) and 58 in the CBCT group (38 female and 20 male; mean age 26.7 years, range 18–48 years). A total of 67 impacted third molars in the PAN group and 72 in the CBCT group had a close relationship with the IAC and were included in the sample.

Descriptive statistics, including the study variables, are shown in Table 1 . There were no significant differences in demographic or anatomical/radiographic variables between the PAN and CBCT groups ( P > 0.05). The most common spatial relationship between the IAC and the tooth in the CBCT group was lingual (44.4%) and in line (38.8%) topography. The interradicular relationship was found to be very rare (4.0%). CBCT findings revealed a distance of 0 mm between the tooth and IAC, mostly without cortication, in 53 cases (73.6%). Figure 1 shows the interradicular position of the IAC with the true relationship between the IAN and third molar roots.

Table 1
Study variables and descriptive statistics.
Variable PAN group
( n = 64 patients)
CBCT group
( n = 58 patients)
P -value
Sex, n (%) 0.503
Female 39 (60.9) 38 (65.5)
Male 25 (39.1) 20 (35.5)
Age (years) 0.901
Mean 28.1 26.7
Range 18–45 18–48
Site, n (%) 0.911
Right 31 (46.3) 34 (47.2)
Left 36 (53.7) 38 (52.8)
Coverage of the third molar, n (%) 0.634
Mucosal 4 (6.0) 6 (8.3)
Bony 34 (50.7) 37 (51.4)
Mucosal–bony 29 (43.3) 29 (40.3)
Pell and Gregory classification, n (%) 0.859
Class A 8 (11.9) 10 (13.9)
Class B 37 (55.2) 36 (50.0)
Class C 22 (32.8) 26 (36.1)
Winter classification, n (%) 0.403
Mesioangular 28 (41.8) 37 (51.4)
Distoangular 7 (10.4) 7 (9.7)
Horizontal 17 (25.4) 12 (16.7)
Vertical 15 (22.4) 16 (22.2)
PAN findings, n (%) 0.658
Interruption of the white line 24 (35.8) 28 (38.9)
Darkening of the roots 18 (26.9) 20 (27.8)
Narrowing of the IAC or roots 7 (10.4) 8 (11.1)
Dark and bifid roots 5 (7.5) 1 (1.4)
Deflected roots 5 (7.5) 7 (9.7)
Diversion of the IAC 8 (11.9) 8 (11.1)
Number of roots, n (%) 0.666
Single 19 (28.3) 19 (26.4)
Double 44 (65.7) 47 (65.3)
Triple 4 (6.0) 6 (8.3)
Total 67 72
PAN, panoramic radiography; CBCT, cone beam computed tomography; IAC, inferior alveolar canal.

Fig. 1
Coronal CBCT image clearly showing the interradicular position of the inferior alveolar canal, with a true relationship between the inferior alveolar nerve and the third molar roots (white arrow).

Table 2 summarizes the comparisons between the individual study variables and the primary outcome variable in the PAN and the CBCT groups. Considering the results, no significant differences were found between the study variables and the primary outcome variable ( P > 0.05). Furthermore, no significant differences were found between the study variables and the patients without IAN injury ( P > 0.05) ( Table 3 ). A true relationship between the IAC and third molar without cortication (0 mm distance between the tooth and IAC) was observed in three patients with temporary IAN injury in the CBCT group. For these patients, the spatial relationship between the IAC and third molar was in the form of both buccal and lingual ( Fig. 2 ) topography.

Table 2
Comparisons between the individual study variables and the primary outcome variable.
Variable PAN group
( n = 11 patients)
CBCT group
( n = 3 patients)
P -value
Sex, n (%) 0.615
Female 5 (45.5) 1 (33.3)
Male 6 (54.5) 2 (66.7)
Age (years), n (%) 0.604
≤25 2 (18.2) 0 (0)
> 25 9 (81.8) 3 (100)
Site, n (%) 0.670
Right 8 (72.7) 2 (66.7)
Left 3 (27.3) 1 (33.3)
Coverage of the third molar, n (%) 0.670
Mucosal 0 (0) 0 (0)
Bony 8 (72.7) 2 (66.7)
Mucosal–bony 3 (27.3) 1 (33.3)
Pell and Gregory classification, n (%) 0.552
Class A 1 (9.1) 1 (33.3)
Class B 4 (36.4) 1 (33.3)
Class C 6 (54.5) 1 (33.3)
Winter classification, n (%) 0.106
Mesioangular 8 (72.7) 2 (66.7)
Distoangular 0 (0) 0 (0)
Horizontal 3 (27.3) 0 (0)
Vertical 0 (0) 1 (33.3)
PAN findings, n (%) 0.346
Interruption of the white line 6 (54.5) 2 (66.7)
Darkening of the roots 4 (36.4) 0 (0)
Narrowing of the IAC or roots 1 (9.1) 1 (33.3)
Dark and bifid roots 0 (0) 0 (0)
Deflected roots 0 (0) 0 (0)
Diversion of the IAC 0 (0) 0 (0)
Number of roots, n (%) 0.670
Single 3 (27.3) 1 (33.3)
Double 8 (72.7) 2 (66.7)
Triple 0 (0) 0 (0)
Total 11 (100) 3 (100)
PAN, panoramic radiography; CBCT, cone beam computed tomography; IAC, inferior alveolar canal.

Table 3
Comparisons between the individual study variables for the patients without IAN injury. .
Variable PAN group
( n = 53 patients)
CBCT group
( n = 55 patients)
P -value
Sex, n (%) 0.397
Female 34 (64.2) 37 (67.3)
Male 19 (35.8) 18 (32.7)
Age (years), n (%) 0.810
≤25 27 (50.9) 26 (47.3)
> 25 26 (49.1) 29 (52.7)
Site, n (%) 0.523
Right 23 (41.1) 32 (46.4)
Left 33 (58.9) 37 (53.6)
Coverage of the third molar, n (%) 0.797
Mucosal 4 (7.2) 6 (8.7)
Bony 26 (46.4) 35 (50.7)
Mucosal–bony 26 (46.4) 28 (40.6)
Pell and Gregory classification, n (%) 0.624
Class A 7 (12.5) 9 (13.1)
Class B 33 (58.9) 35 (50.7)
Class C 16 (28.6) 25 (36.2)
Winter classification, n (%) 0.403
Mesioangular 20 (35.7) 35 (50.7)
Distoangular 7 (12.5) 7 (10.2)
Horizontal 14 (25.0) 12 (17.4)
Vertical 15 (26.8) 15 (21.7)
PAN findings, n (%) 0.509
Interruption of the white line 18 (32.2) 26 (37.7)
Darkening of the roots 14 (25.0) 20 (29.0)
Narrowing of the IAC or roots 6 (10.7) 7 (10.1)
Dark and bifid roots 5 (8.9) 1 (1.5)
Deflected roots 5 (8.9) 7 (10.1)
Diversion of the IAC 8 (14.3) 8 (11.6)
Number of roots, n (%) 0.920
Single 16 (28.6) 18 (26.1)
Double 36 (64.3) 45 (65.2)
Triple 4 (7.1) 6 (8.7)
Total 56 (100) 69 (100)
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Dec 14, 2017 | Posted by in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | Comments Off on Does additional cone beam computed tomography decrease the risk of inferior alveolar nerve injury in high-risk cases undergoing third molar surgery?Does CBCT decrease the risk of IAN injury?

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